🎙 Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall & Wil Masara
🎧 Guest: Lucy Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of Project Rockit
In this powerful follow-up to Episode 64, the Podclass team reunites with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack the big, complex, and ever-relevant topic of bullying. From personal stories to systemic change, this episode challenges educators, families, and communities to see bullying differently – and respond with more empathy, insight, and action.
Lucy shares the origin story of Project Rockit, which turns 20 next year, and reflects on what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the bullying landscape across two decades of student-led advocacy.
Segment 1: From a Park Bench to a National Movement
"Kindness should be the norm. You shouldn't have to be tough to gain acceptance." – Lucy
Lucy shares how a conversation on a beachside bench with her sister Rosie sparked the launch of Project Rockit. Born from moments of witnessing harm and a drive to change the culture of silence in schools, the program began as a heartfelt "project" – and grew into one of Australia's most trusted youth-led movements tackling bullying, hate, and prejudice.
Segment 2: The Changing Face of Bullying
"We need to stop labelling students as 'bullies' or 'victims'. Bullying is a behaviour, not an identity." – Lucy
From early Facebook days to today's hyper-connected world, bullying has changed shape. Lucy explores how technology has amplified both harm and healing, and why traditional definitions of bullying are failing young people. Students are calling for new language, earlier intervention, and deeper understanding.
Segment 3: What Actually Works in Schools
"Young people won’t forget what you said or did – they’ll remember how you made them feel." – Skye
The hosts and Lucy explore how genuine connection, psychological safety, and youth voice are critical in anti-bullying programs. Project Rockit flips the script with strategies that centre students as experts, build trust before teaching content, and challenge harmful norms in safe, meaningful ways. Even small teacher actions – a lunch spot, a walk to the bus – can change a life.
Practical Strategies for Educators
Start Early, Before There’s a Problem – Build connection and values-based thinking in students from the outset.
Avoid Labels – Focus on behaviour change, not identity-based language.
Elevate Student Voice – Create space for young people to lead, reflect, and contribute.
Respond With Empathy – Students need to be heard before action is taken.
Use Peer Role Models – Peer-led delivery creates impact through relatability.
Conclusion
Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard issue – it’s a societal challenge that requires smart, sensitive, and student-centred solutions. Lucy Thomas reminds us that real change happens when we treat young people as powerful, capable, and worthy of respect. This episode is a tribute to the educators who quietly change lives – one act of kindness at a time.
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🌐 Learn more: Youth Engagement Project | YLAA